• Competitor rules

    Please remember that any mention of competitors, hinting at competitors or offering to provide details of competitors will result in an account suspension. The full rules can be found under the 'Terms and Rules' link in the bottom right corner of your screen. Just don't mention competitors in any way, shape or form and you'll be OK.

PSU and 4870 cards

Camalot

Camalot

Camalot

Soldato
Joined
7 Mar 2005
Posts
6,921
Location
Wolverhampton
Hi, i'm trying to decide if i should bin my X1800XT and whack in a 4870 as a treat.

My main worry is will my PSU cope. I've been reading about the 12v rails which is just confusing me.

My PSU is the Seasonic S12 430, which is stated to have 15A on the 12+ Rail, its also only ATX2.0. I'm also pretty sure it doesn't have two 6pin molex connectors.

Am i right in thinking im going to have to buy a new ATX 2.2 PSU? Or will this be ok?

What does the 4870 cards need on the 12v rail? Can i just buy some molex adapters (2x 6pins)

Thanks all !

Other specs:
E2160 @ 3ghz
2GB Geil Memory
Gigabyte P35C DS3R
 
you can buy the adapters and it should be fine, though youre going to need a new PSU pretty soon so whether you decide to take the plunge now or in 6 months is your call
 
So what A on the 12vrail does the 4870 actually need? Ive read loads of different things.

Also, whats the difference between the ATX 2.0 and 2.2 psu?
 
I don't think It would power a 4870, its got 2x 12v rails, but ones 15a, and the others only 14a, and that wouldn't be enough imo, as that wouldn't even be 29a combined (as it doesn't work like that), be a bit less.
 
Well this is ATI's site, but doesnt mention actual ampage, it does imply your PSU wont be enough but I gather they tend to over estimate just to be sure
re the ATX question - Theres not much difference but if you want to check it out read here
 
I've got:

E2180 @ 3ghz
2gb ram
4830 512mb
2hd's

Thats running on the exact same psu as you. I'm not sure how much more power a 4870 would suck up. My 4830 only has 1 6-pin connector, the 4870's have 2 dont they?

I feel im nearing the limit with my setup especially because my psu is about 2 years old now.

Personally I would buy a new psu for piece of mind, a new psu would come in handy one day if you decided to upgrade further anyway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom